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The University of Georgia has confirmed the first case of canine influenza in Georgia. The strain that was isolated is the H3N3 strain responsible for the outbreak in the Midwest. The dog in metro Atlanta that was affected lived in the Decatur area. This is not an area close to our veterinary clinic population, but this virus has a knack for spreading rather quickly. Also, this dog had frequented other local dog parks prior to diagnosis.

We have always discussed with our clients during their preventative care exams the goals and intent of the vaccinations that we recommend on a yearly basis. We also discuss the methods to help reduce disease transmission in the pet population. Due to the emerging threat of canine influenza, we are adding the flu vaccine to our repertoire of immunizations. Our staff and myself will assess the risk level for each pet and determine if the flu vaccine fits your pet’s lifestyle.

So, what are potential risky areas that may put your dog at risk for contracting the flu virus? According to infectious disease experts and the American Veterinary Medical Association, ANYWHERE your dog can come into contact with another dog, especially nose-to-nose contact.

What can you do as a pet owner?

1. Avoid dog parks, any other free-play areas, nose-to-nose greetings on walks, etc... Anywhere the health status of a dog is unknown. A dog that looks healthy, may not be, and the canine flu can strike very quickly in a dog that was seemingly healthy 24 hours earlier.
2. Contact Chattahoochee Animal Clinic to discuss vaccinating against canine flu. This vaccine is not currently in common vaccine protocols. However, local veterinary clinics and the American Veterinary Medical Association have begun reassessing this and it is likely that it will begin to be required for at risk patients. The vaccine does not provide 100% protection and we do not know at this time if there is cross coverage of the vaccine to cover other strains of influenza.
3. Do not bring your dog to dog parks, boarding facilities, or grooming facility if they have sneezing, coughing, have runny eyes or nose, bloodshot eyes, lethargy or are not eating. Prevention is key and the canine flu is most likely to spread in the first 4 days of infection.
4. Wash your hands after you touch a dog. While this flu cannot infect humans, it is easily transferred from transferable dog to dog by human hands that have come into contact with an infected dog.
5. Do not panic. There is no reason to lock your dog away and never take them out. Most dogs who contract any illness recover very quickly and with no long-term effects. Dogs with compromised immunity, puppies and elderly dogs are most likely to contract an illness and should be kept away from any unknown dogs. 

As always, if you have any questions please give us a call - 770.993.6329 or email us at [email protected].

Until next time…Dr. Marcus Smith